Description
Crazy, Mixed-Up Generation is an album by the British gospel beat group The CrossBeats, released on Pilgrim Records in 1967.
Trivia: In the 1960s and 70s, the CrossBeats often played at meetings where Gordon Bailey was speaking, and/or were organized by him. At that time, Gordon was known as a ‘Christian Poet’ with some well known verses to his credit. (Bailey wrote the poem “First Day In Church” performed by Nigel Goodwin on the multi-artist LP Alive!, released on Key Records in 1969. The poem was as well included by Larry Norman on his self-released 1970 LP, Street Level.)
There is a myth that contemporary Christian music was invented on the west coast of the USA and was born out of the Jesus Movement. But the act of taking spiritual themes and putting them to the sounds of the charts was something that had been happening at the grass roots of the British church scene after the advent of Beatlemania and one of the bands that were doing it were the Crossbeats. This CD includes their early singles from 1965 «If Only» and «I Know» which both sound like the emerging British beat boom. It was in 1967 that the band recorded a full album and their sound improved as they invested in a better studio. ‘Crazy Mixed Up Generation’ may sound slightly twee to our modern ears but at the time, this was cutting edge Christian music holding its own against the sounds of the time. These were the days when Christian bands actually sang very directly about Jesus! It’s quite refreshing actually! If you like the sounds of the ’60s you’ll love songs like «Do Not Disturb», the jaunty «Back Where You Belong» and the rocking «Change». As the band were in the studio in April 1967, the whole musical landscape was about to change with the Summer Of Love and the Psychedelic sounds about to emerge that would immediately make this music sound dated and once or twice a guitar is badly out of tune. But listening 40 years later, the Crossbeats occupy an important pioneering place in the history of Christian music. [Mike Rimmer, Cross Rhythms, July 2007]
Recorded at the same session as produced their latest single, these ten songs, all written by the group, must surely establish them as the premier gospel song writers.
It is a brave group that allows its public ten songs to make up its mind about them. And whatever criticism follows, don’t let it destroy the fact that there is probably no other group in England who could produce an LP as good as this one.
But 10 tracks give plenty of time to notice the group’s shortcomings. Although all the instrumentalists are highly competent, only the bass guitar is trying to do anything new. The lead guitar plays only one memorable phrase on the whole disc and its about time he invested in some light guage strings. Even the beautiful drumming belongs to the 1965 ear.
There is a certain basic style which Crossbeats seem to hide behind. Now and again they peep out from behind it, to do something different and live dangerously for a few bars, and then hide again. «Snow covered mountain» is a good example of this.
The best thing about the LP is the brilliant lyrics. They are the best I have heard on any gospel disc. The whole thing makes a delightful LP.
Side One
«Busy Man» (2:39). Very good bass playing on this medium pace challenging song. I particularly like the stop-go instrumental work.
«Do not disturb» (4:18). Unusual bass introduction on this slow number. The expression in the vocal at times is very good, it’s sung in a yawn. Very clever. With drums virtually non-existent it makes is quite relaxing.
«Are you afraid?» (3:26). Rather slow an uninteresting. Well thought out words but on the whole a messy track.
«Back where you belong» (3:36). An upbeat number in familiar Crossbeat fashion. Not a tuneful melody line – very average.
«Snow-covered mountain» (3:10). Great! What a contrast. Definitely one of the outstanding tracks of the album. The lyric idea is brilliant. The weird introduction and the falsetto voices are first rate. The Crossbeats (I wouldn’t have recognised them) come over so well on this slow one.
Side Two
«Change» (2:12). The drums sound way off beat on this one. It’s a rave up but sounds familiar and a little dated – but has life. If you listen hard you can hear George Formby.
«Tears» (3:38). An “oldie” of the group – but still fresh. I like the close sound and complementary instrumental support – simple straight forward guitar.
«Time» (3:22). A novel intro like that of a clock but a very ordinary song.
«Crazy, mixed-up generation» (3:50). This is the best I’ve ever heard them. This number has everything. Smooth simple steady beat, sensible lyrics with a touch of humour and well controlled singing. It contains two strokes of genius. I’ll leave you to discover them for yourself.
«Do you remember?» (3:22). I notice an organ. This one reminds me of the Batchelors. Well sung etc. but predictable.
All praise to Pilgrim for a fine recording issued at the realistic price of 2 1/4d. Very good value. [Dave Taylor, Buzz Magazine, October 1967]
LP tracklist:
Side One
A1. “Busy Man” – 2:39
A2. “Do Not Disturb” – 4:18
A3. “Are You Afraid?” – 3:26
A4. “Back Where You Belong” – 3:36
A5. “Snow – Covered Mountains” – 3:10
Side Two
B1. “Change” – 2:12
B2. “Tears” – 3:38
B3. “Time” – 3:22
B4. “Crazy, Mixed-Up Generation” – 3:50
B5. “Do You Remember?” – 3:22
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[youtube_sc url=”trH3WeS21sk” title=”The Crossbeats – Crazy, Mixed-Up Generation” autohide=”1″ rel=”0″]
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